The rapidly growing digitalization taking place in Europe is opening new opportunities to address some key societal challenges such as population ageing and environmental issues, namely with regard to sustainable health, mobility and social interactions. However if we want digitalization to bring real benefit to society without creating further inequalities and exclusion, improvements have to be made in terms of accessibility, usability and consumer protection – including personal data protection and protection against financial abuse.
More and more essential products and services are being digitalized, but many older consumers experience difficulties in accessing them, e.g. accessing online public administrative documents and information, paying for goods and services they wish to purchase, trying to withdraw cash or managing their assets online.
Financial services at the forefront of digitalization
In an interview for the European Payment Council, AGE Secretary-General, Anne-Sophie Parent, explained why digitalized financial services, in particular retail payments, raise significant accessibility challenges for older people.
Digitalization as a top priority on the EU agenda
At EU level, some important legislative initiatives have been adopted. Namely the EU web accessibility directive (adopted in October 2016) will have to be transposed at national level by EU Member States by September 2018 and the revised Payment Services Directive for safer and cheaper payment across EU countries came into force in January this year.
Together with the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the European association representing consumers in standardization (ANEC), AGE calls for the adoption of an ambitious Act as a key instrument to enhance the rights of all consumers within the EU, including persons with disabilities and older persons. At the moment, the text is under tripartite negotiations between the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and the European Commission.
Standards as a route to consumer protection
On World Consumers Day, the project called on manufacturers, service providers, policy makers and standardisers to increase the engagement and inclusion of older people in the standardisation process so that the digital world becomes more age-friendly.
A growing European Silver Economy
Defending older consumers’ rights is even more important as the European Union is seeking to promote the Silver Economy, in order to take advantage of the potential of economic growth offered by the increasing number of European seniors. Bringing older people’s perspective in that debate is therefore essential to make sure the sector effectively meets their preferences and delivers truly inclusive growth.